By Scout Nelson
At the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, a unique student job offers the chance to live and work at the Animal Science Complex on East Campus. These students care for various livestock, gaining practical experience while living on-site.
This immersive opportunity allows them to contribute significantly to the university’s livestock programs and grow in their knowledge of the field.
Senior animal science major Sarah Dilley shared that this job makes campus home in more ways than one. “It’s not just a job; I genuinely care what happens around here and what happens with the livestock programs,” she said.
Three resident student workers, including McKenna Carr, live in the building. Carr noted how their sense of dedication makes it natural to combine work and home, saying, “We all kind of live to work instead of work to live.”
Daily tasks include feeding and caring for about 100 pigs, over 40 goats and sheep, and around 30 cattle. The students also handle maintenance and care during after-hours emergencies, such as sick or birthing animals.
Brent Johnson, livestock and building operations manager, praised the students' contributions to the department, noting their dedication and teamwork.
The students have learned to tackle challenges independently, which has helped build confidence. Carr said her confidence in agriculture has grown through hands-on learning, while Dilley highlighted how they have grown into leaders, mentoring new students in the field.
As they prepare to graduate, all three resident workers reflect on how their work has contributed to the research and education in animal science across the university.
Photo Credit:gettyimages-ahavelaar
Categories: Nebraska, Education, Livestock, Dairy Cattle, Goats & Sheep